Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
07:55
Standard Operating Procedure for Lyssavirus Surveillance of the Bat Population in Taiwan
Published on: August 27, 2019
8.1K
Australian bat lyssavirus: implications for public health
Joshua R Francis1, Bradley J McCall2, Penny Hutchinson3
1Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia. josh.francis@nt.gov.au.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a rare but fatal infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine prevents ABLV, and all Australian bats may carry the virus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) poses a rare but fatal threat to humans.
- No effective therapy currently exists for ABLV infection.
- All Australian bats are potential carriers of ABLV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the risks and prevention strategies for Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) infection in humans.
- To emphasize the importance of immediate notification and post-exposure prophylaxis following potential ABLV exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge on ABLV transmission, prevention, and management.
- Emphasis on public health guidelines for bat-related injuries.
Main Results:
- ABLV infection is preventable through timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
- PEP involves human rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine administration.
- Immediate reporting of any bat-related injury to public health units is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Prompt medical attention and PEP are critical for preventing fatal ABLV infection.
- Standard infection control measures are recommended for healthcare providers managing potential ABLV cases.
- Public awareness regarding the risks associated with Australian bats is essential.
